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Key takeaways
- MacBook Neo makes Mac ownership more attainable, starting at $599.
- Windows PCs and Chromebooks can match Neo specs -- often for less.
- Older MacBook Air deals also beat Neo without much compromise.
Apple's latest MacBook Neo lowers the entry price for a new Mac laptop to its lowest level in years, and you may be wondering whether to buy one or choose an alternative.
Affordability is subjective, but Apple's $599 price point ($499 with the education discount) undeniably makes it much easier for more people to get their hands on a Mac. For years, Apple's laptops have been associated with high price tags, which meant consumers looking for something cheaper had to turn to Windows PCs or Chromebooks.
With the Neo, all that has changed.
Also: Apple MacBook Neo review
Apple now has a laptop that competes directly with mid-range Windows laptops and high-end Chromebooks. It features a 13-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, aluminum construction, and up to 16 hours of battery life. For students, first-time Mac users, and anyone who needs a laptop for writing, browsing, and everyday tasks, that combination is very compelling.
So, if you have about $600 to spend and are platform-agnostic, the big question is: Should you buy the MacBook Neo, or can you get a better deal elsewhere? The short answer is that there are several alternatives worth considering, but the Neo is still a steal.
Key laptop specs to know
Before looking at competitors, it helps to understand what the Neo offers and what each spec actually means.
- CPU (processor): The CPU helps determine how fast your computer feels. The Neo runs on the A18 Pro, a 64-bit ARM chip designed for the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple says the Neo can "fly" through tasks like browsing, streaming, editing photos, and using AI.
- RAM (memory): RAM controls how many tasks your computer can juggle at once. The Neo starts with 8GB of RAM, which means you can likely run several apps and dozens of browser tabs at the same time without issues.
- Storage: The base model includes 256GB, with 512GB available for $100 more. Storage determines how many files, photos, and apps you can keep locally. Many laptops in the $600 range offer similar capacities, but the standard for laptops around the $1,000 mark is 1TB.
- Weight and display size: The MacBook Neo weighs about 2.7 pounds and has a 13-inch display, making it highly portable. For comparison, a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro or M5 Max chip weighs about 4.7 pounds.
- Battery life: Apple claims up to 16 hours. It can handle 16 hours of video streaming or 11 hours of web browsing, for example. It includes a 36.5-Wh battery and charges via a 20W USB-C adapter.
- Graphics: The A18 Pro includes an integrated GPU, meaning graphics are built into the chip rather than using a separate graphics card. This is common for thin laptops and is powerful enough for photo editing, light video work, and casual gaming.
- Camera and audio: The MacBook Neo includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual mics, and Spatial Audio speakers. These matter if you need a laptop for video calls and streaming.
- Price: The starting price is $599 (or $499 for education), making it the most affordable MacBook Apple has ever sold.
- Operating system: Finally, the MacBook Neo runs MacOS Tahoe, Apple's operating system for the Mac. It integrates tightly with iPhones and iPads and includes Apple Intelligence features for writing tools and AI tasks.
Also: How much RAM does your PC really need in 2026? A Windows and Mac expert's opinion
MacBook Neo vs. Windows 11 laptops
Now that I've covered the Neo's specs, let's look at Windows alternatives.
Most specs are easy to compare, except for the CPU and graphics, since the Neo runs on Apple's A18 Pro. Apple says it is up to 50% faster than the "bestselling PC" with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, which provides a rough benchmark. Core Ultra 5 chips are part of Intel's newer Meteor Lake platform and include Intel Arc graphics and a dedicated AI engine.
Also: Lenovo ThinkPad vs. Apple MacBook: Which is the better laptop for you?
Many Windows laptops with that processor are available, though I found most come with 16GB of RAM and are slightly more expensive. I also spotted plenty of budget models with Intel's Core 5 an older and lower-tier chip, but still capable of everyday tasks. Faster options exist as well. Intel's newer Core Ultra 7 and 9 chips, for example, have better performance and graphics.
The takeaway: There are plenty of Windows 11 laptops with comparable configurations in this price range, and even a few hundred bucks more could get you a substantially more powerful laptop. Opt for a Windows PC if you're looking for more flexibility with ports and configurations, and generally prefer the operating system over MacOS.
IdeaPad Slim 3i
Looking for a more business-minded budget laptop? Lenovo's IdeaPad Slim lives up to its name as a portable 15-inch device with an Intel Core 5 210H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD -- a solid loadout for the office.
Review: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i
Its full-sized keyboard is comfortable and well designed. It has a nice selection of ports so you can connect multiple accessories or external monitors. It also includes an integrated webcam and mic for video calls, along with battery life rated for a full workday. The trade-off for the lower price comes with the weight (3.59 pounds) and the 15-inch display, which is not particularly flashy but gets the job done.
HP OmniBook 5 (16-inch)
HP's OmniBook 5 is an entry-level line with prices hovering around $500 and frequent sales. They're made for everyday use and keep prices low with more modest hardware. For example, even though it lacks a flashy display, it has good performance and great battery life. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile 16-inch that can do a bit of everything, it's an option we recommend.
Review: HP OmniBook 5
A typical configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, giving it more memory and storage than the Neo's 8GB and 256GB base configuration. It also includes a 1080p webcam with dual mics and weighs about 3.9 pounds. It offers all-day battery life with support for fast charging.
Asus Vivobook 14
The Asus Vivobook is a budget Windows 11 laptop powered by an Intel Core 5 processor with integrated graphics. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, similar to the Neo, and features a slightly larger 14-inch Full HD (1920 × 1080) display. The laptop weighs about 3.09 pounds and includes a 720p webcam, a built-in mic, and about eight hours of battery life.
Compared to the Neo, it has the same memory and storage and a decent CPU for tasks like browsing and productivity, but its main advantage is price -- many configurations sell for about $400, significantly less than the Neo.
Dell 14 Plus
Dell has a Windows 11 laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 5 from last year for $650.
It has 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, along with integrated Intel Arc graphics. The laptop weighs about 3.42 pounds and features a 14-inch 2.5K (2560 × 1600) IPS display, a 1080p webcam with dual mics, and Dolby Atmos dual speakers.
Review: Dell 14 Plus
Dell rates the 64Wh battery for up to 22 hours of local video playback. It's comparable to the Neo on price and battery life, but has overall beefier hardware, with double the RAM and a larger, higher-res display. Although it's heavier, Dell's laptops have sturdy builds.
Acer Swift Go 14
The Acer Swift Go is a Windows 11 laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor with integrated Intel Arc graphics. It includes 8GB of RAM, like the Neo, but doubles the storage with a 512GB SSD. It weighs about 2.87 pounds and features a larger 14-inch OLED display with a 2880 × 1800 resolution, along with a webcam, dual speakers, and about 8.5 hours of battery life.
At around $600, it is a direct alternative to the Neo on price and memory while offering more storage and a larger OLED screen.
Review: Acer Swift Go 14
MacBook Neo vs. Chromebooks
Chromebooks have come a long way in the past few years. High-end models now offer performance close to that of traditional laptops while remaining relatively affordable. If most of your work happens in a browser, these ChromeOS machines can rival the Neo.
The takeaway: Our tests have found that Chrome runs most efficiently on Chromebooks, likely due to Google's own optimizations, so if a good part of your workflow involves that service, it's worth considering Chromebooks over the MacBook. Just don't expect a superior hardware experience, especially as you drop to the $150 to $300 price range, compared to the Neo.
Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
Lenovo's most premium Chromebook starts at $749, but 's Kyle Kucharski recommended it when he heard I was writing this article because it compares surprisingly well with the MacBook Neo in several areas.
First, it runs on a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor with a dedicated AI engine. While the Neo uses Apple's A18 Pro, both are ARM-based chips designed for efficiency and AI.
Review: Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14
This Lenovo Chromebook can also match or exceed the Neo in memory and storage, offering up to 16GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, along with a larger 14-inch OLED display (1920 × 1200). It also weighs slightly less than the Neo at about 2.6 pounds, and its 60Wh battery is designed for all-day use, similar to the Neo's claimed 16-hour runtime.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
Like the Lenovo Chromebook Plus but want something a little closer to the Neo's price point? Acer's Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the answer. It's a very similar product with a more approachable price.
Review: Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
It's powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 with integrated Intel graphics. You can find it for around $530 with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, matching the Neo's memory and storage, and it features a 14-inch IPS (1920 × 1200) touchscreen. It weighs about 3.21 pounds and offers up to 10 hours of battery.
Compared to the Neo, it is bigger, heavier, and has shorter battery life, but its design, specs, and price make it a solid alternative.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Since I found a budget Windows 11 laptop from Asus above, I thought I'd include a similarly priced Chromebook. Best Buy sells a model with Core i5, a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen, a 1080p webcam, and 8GB of RAM.
Compared with the Neo, it offers a larger display and the same amount of memory, though storage is lower at 128GB. Battery life is rated at about 10 hours, which falls short of Apple's claimed 16 hours for the Neo. It also weighs 3.2 pounds, making it a bit heavier.
Review: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
But the real difference here is price. At $379, this Chromebook costs about $220 less than the MacBook Neo. That makes it a compelling option if affordability matters most and much of your work happens in a browser.
Don't forget older MacBooks
Another option worth considering is buying a previous-generation MacBook Air with Apple's M-series chips, specifically the M1 and M2 models. These machines frequently go on sale at major retailers for around $750 brand new , and restored ones usually cost as much as the Neo. Although they are a few years old, they still offer excellent performance and battery life.
For example, I run a MacBook Air with the M2 chip and 8GB of memory, and it has honestly been a fantastic workhorse for me. I regularly use it for heavy photo editing, writing long articles, video calls, and running a lot of apps at the same time. It's not unusual for me to have 20 Chrome tabs open while juggling five or more apps, and the machine still feels fast and responsive.
Also: M5 MacBook Pro vs. M4 MacBook Air: I compared Apple's most popular laptops, and this one wins
I've never experienced stuttering or lag, even on busy workdays. It also lasts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily without needing to be charged.
If you can find an Air near the Neo's $600 price, it is absolutely worth buying. Sure, the MacBook Neo is exciting because it brings the Mac experience to a lower price point, but older Air models have already proven themselves to be powerful and reliable. Just know that an older MacBook won't receive as frequent software updates (and for as long) as a newer model like the Neo.
FAQs
Which MacBook Neo alternative is right for me?
The reality is that the $600 laptop category is enormous. If you understand the key specs to look for, you can easily find a great laptop in this price range. I highlighted a few Windows 11 and Chromebook options above, but I strongly suggest browsing your favorite retailer or manufacturer's site as well. You can usually filter models by processor, RAM, and storage to quickly find what you want.
From there, deciding which is right for you comes down to whether you prefer Windows 11 or ChromeOS. The toughest part is not finding something comparable to the Neo in the same price range -- it's choosing a platform and sticking with it.
Also: How to get the MacBook Neo $499 education price - qualifications to know.
Windows 11 laptops tend to offer the broadest software compatibility, making them a better fit for people who rely on traditional desktop apps or specialized programs for school or work. Chromebooks, on the other hand, are often simpler and cheaper, making them ideal for casual users or students who spend most of their time in the browser or Google apps.
That said, if you are an Apple user who would love to stay in Apple's ecosystem, an older MacBook is a strong alternative as well.
Is the MacBook Neo powerful enough for students?
On paper, with an A18 Pro processor and 8GB of RAM, the Neo should easily handle typical school workloads such as writing, research, and video calls. If I were a college student today, the Neo or an older MacBook Air would be among the first laptops I would consider. The Neo specifically is a strong value while still offering the premium build quality and materials Apple is known for.
Can you edit photos or videos on the MacBook Neo?
Yes. The integrated GPU and Apple silicon architecture should be capable of light to moderate photo and video editing, based on the specs Apple has released. I have not tested it yet, so it's hard to say definitively. Professional creators will likely need more power.